Justin, Christian 'King' Combs Sneaker Giveaway Kicks In Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Not since the Joker called out Batman has an event on the steps of a city hall caused so much excitement, but in this case, it was the heroes addressing the crowd.

On Wednesday, Justin Combs and Christian "King" Combs held a sneaker giveaway for students at city hall in collaboration with the Mount Vernon City School District. The siblings gave away over 100 pairs of shoes at the event.

"First things, first, with the key to the city, I just want to give back, me and my brother just want to show love to the whole community," King Combs told the crowd, as he and his brother tossed t-shirts to fans. "So, we got some Jordans for y'all. We got some Drip. I'm here with my brother, and you know, the reason I'm even here, and the reason why I always come to Mount Vernon is because of my brother Justin."

While Bad Boy Entertainment artist King Combs is arguably the more famous of the two brothers, it was Justin who lit up the hometown crowd gathered outside of Mount Vernon City Hall.

"It really means a lot to come back and give back," Justin Combs said to raucous cheers "So, let's make it special and let's do it."

Although the prospect of going home with free high-end athletic shoes lent some of excitement to Wednesday's back-to-school celebration, officials on hand said that the community event was as much about coming together as a community as it was about fashion.

"We all know having a fresh pair of sneakers always helps complete the wardrobe and just adds a different level of confidence," Mount Vernon Youth Bureau Executive Director Debbie Burrell-Butler told those gathered. "Especially in the new school year."

Mount Vernon School District Acting Superintendent K. Veronica Smith said that the city of Mount Vernon has a lot to be proud of and when the star heroes, beloved performers and celebrities with global fame make an effort to remember where they came from, it not only makes a charitable impact, it also offers inspiration from role models.

"As you all know, Puff Daddy lived in Mount Vernon, and so too did his children, at least Justin did," Smith said. "It's always wonderful to give back ... We want to thank Christian and Justin."

The designer athletic shoe supply was limited to the first 100 students who preregistered for the event, but no one went home empty-handed. Other special back-to-school gifts were promised to those who didn't leave with a new pair of kicks.